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These days it’s not uncommon to see cowboys, businessmen, and bikers bellying up to the bar in tutus. Yes, those frilly skirts ballerinas wear. And it’s all thanks to ultra-conservative Republican Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming, who is still desperately trying to live down last month’s hideous homophobic gaffe and the maelstrom of protest that followed.

It all started during a speech to students, when the Senator succumbed to an ill-advised impulse to elaborate on Wyoming’s “live and let live” mantra. “We always say in Wyoming you can be just about anything you want to be, as long as you don’t push it in somebody’s face. I know a guy who wears a tutu and goes to bars on Friday night and is always surprised that he gets in fights. Well, he kind of asks for it…”

His audience, and the thousands to whom the remark was instantly tweeted, responded with outrage at the implication that it would be understandable — in fact, practically obligatory — for all real men to assault any guy wearing a tutu. The #LiveandLetTutu protest went viral, and soon men and women throughout the state were wearing tutus at work, church gatherings, and countless bars, many of which offered free or discounted drinks to anybody in a frilly skirt.

Everyone had an uproarious time posting selfies on social media — except, of course, for Senator Enzi, who made furious and utterly futile attempts to explain away his remark. Reading his tweets about his “poor choice of words” you can almost hear the beads of sweat springing from his labored brow.

If you missed out on #LiveandLetTutu, don’t worry, another act of collective defiance will be along any minute. Political protests are becoming a wildly popular pastime, especially in the United States. Michael Moore’s national Resistance Calendar shows 86 major protests planned for the month of June alone.

Showing up for a march or wearing a rainbow tutu in a sports bar is great, but it's only the beginning. Being part of the Resistance involves a commitment to doing the hard work that real change requires.

But if I’ve learned anything about motivation, it’s that we don’t do things because they’re easy, we do them because they matter.

Elizabeth Eckford, age 15, pursued by a mob at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansa, on September 4, 1957, the first day African-American students were allowed to attend the school.

​So what matters in the summer of 2017? How can you truly make a difference?

3. Pressure your legislators. The Indivisible Guide spells out simple, effective ways to do this, including attending town hall meetings and calling your reps. Politicians keep a close tally of opinions expressed by voters; make sure your voice is heard where it counts.​​4.Join a Resistance group. Find listings of local groups on websites such as Indivisibles, PAGE, and Drinking Liberally, and look for city-based Resistance groups on Facebook. If you're overseas, contact Democrats Abroad and ask if there's a group in your area.​

Since 2003, Drinking Liberally has been giving like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics.Their slogan: Promoting democracy one pint at a time. Photo by Steve Timmer.

5. March. In the US, find protests via the Resistance Calendar or local news outlets. Living or traveling abroad? Check Americans Resisting Overseas or Google protests in the region. Taking to the streets is a great way to connect with individuals and groups passionate about issues you hold dear. Plus it’s good exercise!

​6. Meet up with Resisters wherever you travel. Most groups have Facebook pages and list activities such as Madrid’s Hearing the Call or the Political Pub Quiz my group is holding in Seville on May 31. Connecting with fellow Resisters is a feel-good experience and a great way to exchange information and ideas.​

American Resistance Sevilla pub party and virtual climate march

One of Rich's happiest travel memories: discovering this giant bar of chocolate in Belgrade, Serbia. One of his greatest disappointments: realizing it was made of plastic.

​7. Recruit new Resisters over dinner. As we have found in Seville, a little spaghetti, a lot of wine, and a few heartfelt words about why the Resistance matters can transform potential members into active volunteers with a strong sense of mission.

Every Resister has a deeply personal reason for joining the fight. For me, it was the slogan, “Make America great again,” a call to roll back the clock to an era — presumably somewhere around the 1950s — when rich white men ruled much of the earth. If you’ve ever wondered why there are so many gray-haired protesters, it’s because we remember what it was like back then: tough times for the 99%. Rich’s deepest concern is about the environment. He stands ready to do whatever it takes — yes, even wear a tutu in public, if necessary — to save the world’s chocolate supply.

Do you have any Resistance activities planned this summer? I'd love to hear about them.

Well-said, dear Karen. And that's how it is when one blogs about progressive politics. The naysayers live up to their name.

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Karen McCann

5/28/2017 04:19:02 pm

So true, Alicia. Since I've started writing about what's going on in the world, I've been gobsmacked by the off-the-wall snide comments that show up occasionally on my posts. Luckily they're outweighed by supportive comments like yours. Thanks for being there for me!

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Marilyn Christenson

5/28/2017 03:48:27 pm

This week brought a smile and a chuckle when I read it and saw the tutu photos. Humor is a great way to tackle a very serious subject. Pussy hats off to the men who sported the tutus.

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Karen McCann

5/28/2017 04:23:33 pm

Marilyn, I absolutely love your comment, "Pussy hats off to the men who sported the tutus." I hope you don't mind but I'm putting it on the Start Here page of my website this week. We've lost so much lately — freedoms, social stability, the world's respect — it's great to know we've kept our sense of humor.

Love this post! Don't let the negative comments get you down - I had some ugly comments after my post on the Women's March the day after the election. I agree with everything you said... except I think rich white men still rule most of everything.

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Karen McCann

5/29/2017 08:57:26 pm

Thanks for your supportive words, Terry! And I love your post on the Women's March, which was beautifully written and had some terrific, funny sign photos. (For those who haven't seen it, go to http://www.rvgoddess.com/BLOG/2017/JANUARY/012117.aspx.) I don't enjoy getting sneering comments, any more than you appreciated that one you got from Anonymous about the march, but I remind myself that it's a small price to pay for the freedom to speak out about things that really matter in the world.

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Rob Barta

6/1/2017 07:13:31 pm

On the racial/immigration issues that Trump campaigned on to one extent or another I believe its good to look at whats been happening under his presidency. Refugee intake about the same. Obama's executive amnesty for dreamers, still not revoked. Calls for reduction in legal immigration,and use of presidential power to achieve this or lobby in congress for this? Hardly. When one steps away from the Trump circus and looks at actual policy so far he's governed on the immigration issue pretty similar to how many mainstream Dems or Republicans would have. Things to keep in mind with all the emotions and rhetoric out there.

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Milton Strauss

6/1/2017 08:38:24 pm

A useful approach to dealing with our own anger with the Trump regime and all of its acolytes.

Hi Karen, Thank you for your courage to speak out! I know your brother Steve is very proud of you for your dedication to make a difference. Please give a belated birthday hug to Rich for me. Lots of love and blessings, Eileen

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Karen McCann

6/15/2017 04:29:12 pm

Thanks, Eileen. Wonderful to hear from you and I appreciate your kind words of encouragement and support. I'll pass your birthday wishes along to Rich. He always celebrates the occasion for as long as possible, so a belated b-day hug is his favorite gift.

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Karen McCann

I'm an American writer living in Seville, Spain and traveling the world with my husband, Rich. I make frequent trips to the USA, especially my native California, because America is something you have to stay in practice for, and I don't want to lose my touch.